Ireland Expands Free Contraception

Ireland Expands Free Contraception and Women’s Health Services

The Irish government has taken a significant step towards promoting women’s health by extending free contraception and medical consultations to all women up to the age of 35. This move, part of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025, marks the second phase of a groundbreaking initiative. Initially launched in 2022, the scheme provided free contraceptives … Read more

Measles Cases Rise to 16 in Ireland

Measles Cases Rise to 16 in Ireland: Urgent Call for Vaccination

Ireland is grappling with a surge in measles cases, with three new infections confirmed, bringing the total count to 16 this year. Additionally, 16 individuals are currently under observation for symptoms. The Health Protection Surveillance Center (HPSC) has flagged two measles outbreaks, both stemming from private residences, with one outbreak affecting four individuals and the … Read more

Decline in Taxi Drivers Across Ireland

Decline in Taxi Drivers Across Ireland Sparks Concern

Recent government data has highlighted a worrying trend in Ireland’s taxi industry, with a decline in the number of taxi drivers reported across all 23 counties. The decrease, evident over the past five years, has raised alarms among officials and industry stakeholders alike. Since 2019, the number of taxi licenses has steadily declined, resulting in … Read more

Irish Health Insurance

Aviva Ventures into Irish Health Insurance Sector

Aviva, a prominent financial services provider, has solidified plans to make a mark in Ireland’s health insurance realm by acquiring a 50% stake. Currently, consumers in Ireland primarily rely on three major domestic insurers – VHI, Laya, and Irish Life Health. With Aviva’s entry, experts anticipate heightened competition and improved services within the sector. Expected … Read more

House Prices Surge

House Prices Surge Across Ireland, Posing Challenges for Buyers

Recent data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) paints a vivid picture of the soaring property market in Ireland. In February alone, residential property prices experienced a staggering 6.1% increase, marking the fastest surge in a year. This upward trend follows a 5.4% rise observed in January, indicating a sustained pattern of growth. Dublin, along … Read more

Health Crisis

Health Crisis Grips Ireland as Over 2.5 Million Patient Appointments Cancelled

Dublin witnesses an alarming trend as over 2.5 million patient appointments were cancelled last year, shedding light on the profound crisis engulfing Ireland’s health sector. Among the casualties are approximately 250,000 appointments, including those crucial for children battling cancer, with 800 chemotherapy sessions for kids called off. This marks a distressing record for the nation’s … Read more

Cavan Indian Association

Cavan Indian Association Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Cavan Day Festivities

On April 13th, the vibrant community of Indian heritage in Counties Cavan and Monaghan came together to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the Cavan Indian Association. Held at the Cavan Ballyhais Community Hall, the occasion also marked the annual Cavan Day, organized by the association. Senator Joe Reilly inaugurated the festivities at 6 pm, setting … Read more

Health Workers

Ireland Extends Paid Leave for Post-Covid Symptoms in Health Workers

In Ireland, the government has prolonged the initiative to provide paid leave for public health workers grappling with post-Covid health issues. The “Special Scheme of Paid Leave,” initially launched in 2022, will now stretch for an additional three months. Post-Covid-19 symptoms can persist long after recovery, spanning from days to months. These symptoms include fatigue, … Read more

7th Annual South Asia Conference

7th Annual South Asia Conference Set to Take Place in Dublin

The Ireland India Institute is gearing up to host its 7th South Asia Annual Conference in Dublin. Scheduled for April 24th, 25th, and 26th, the event promises to be a vibrant platform for dialogue and exchange. Held at Dublin City University All Hallows Campus on Grace Park Road, the conference invites participation from individuals keen … Read more

Road Safety Initiatives in Ireland

€3 Million Boost for Road Safety Initiatives Amid Rising Concerns Over Road Deaths

In response to a concerning rise in road fatalities, an additional €3 million euro is set to be allocated towards road safety campaigns and education programs this year. The decision was made during a meeting between the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Taoiseach Simon Harris, and the Ministers for Transport and Justice. The funding will be … Read more

Red Light Camera

Ireland to Intensify Red Light Camera Use in Response to Rising Road Deaths

In a bid to curb the alarming increase in road accidents, Irish authorities are ramping up efforts to enforce traffic regulations. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has announced plans to install additional red light cameras across the country. This decision comes after a hiatus in the use of such cameras in Dublin. Drivers who flout … Read more

Traffic Offenders in Ireland

Offaly Tops List for Traffic Offenders in Ireland; Donegal Boasts Lowest Penalties

Recent data from the Road Safety Authority has revealed County Offaly as Ireland’s hotspot for traffic violations, with 6.2% of drivers in the county receiving penalty points in 2023. This figure surpasses the national average of 5.3%, reflecting a concerning trend in traffic safety. In contrast, Donegal emerges as the county with the least number … Read more

Health Insurance Plan in Ireland

VHI Discontinues Popular Health Insurance Plans, Affecting 150,000 Customers

VHI, Ireland’s top health insurer, has made a significant announcement affecting thousands of its customers. The company has decided to discontinue several of its popular and pricey health insurance plans. Among those being phased out are the Health Plus Extra plan, Health Plus Access, Health Plus Excess, and Health Access. Starting May 1, these plans … Read more

Ireland's health sector

Health Sector Report Raises Concerns Over Budget Increases and Productivity

A recent report from the Department of Health has spotlighted a concerning trend in Ireland’s health sector: despite significant budget increases, hospital activity has not seen a proportionate rise in productivity. The report, published on Monday, reveals that between 2016 and 2022, the health budget swelled by €8 billion, yet hospital activity only increased by … Read more

Abortion Care Implementation

Urgent Action Needed on Abortion Care Implementation, Say Advocates

Service providers, civil society organizations, and academics are urging Taoiseach Simon Harris to swiftly implement recommended changes to abortion care in Ireland. In an open letter to Mr. Harris, the group highlighted concerns over patients facing delays and being compelled to seek care abroad due to existing barriers. The letter, endorsed by prominent organizations including … Read more